A Hazardous Weather Outlook, Small Craft Advisory and High Surf Advisory issued for Dukes County

It’s time to strap your lawn furniture down again as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, a High Surf Advisory and Small Craft Advisory for the area for this afternoon and into tonight.

According to the NWS, today and tonight and into the overnight period, a strong cold front with an attendant squall-line is expected to sweep across the waters of our area. There is the threat of torrential downpours, frequent lightning and gale force winds.

Thunderstorms may develop across southern New England between noon and 2 pm and become more numerous during the mid and late afternoon. Some storms will likely contain strong or damaging winds. The torrential downpours may cause small stream and poor drainage flooding. There is a much lower chance of tornadoes, but it is a chance worth mentioning. The thunderstorms will likely continue into early night with continued chance of strong or damaging winds and torrential downpours.

The NWS has also issued a Small Craft Advisory for the area that goes in effect from 2 pm this afternoon through 8 am Sunday morning. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions. 

Finally, those wishing to go for a swim should also be advised. There is a High Surf Advisory in effect from 8 am this morning to 9 pm Sunday. All ocean exposed beaches of Rhode Island and Massachusetts can expect surf height of four – seven feet. The NWS advises beach goes to heed the advice of the beach patrol and swim only at guarded beaches. Watch your children. Be especially cautious near piers and jetties where rip currents can be enhanced. In addition, viewers of large surf should be in safe areas well away from possible splash over. Individual waves may be more than twice the significant wave height, which can sweep a person into the water from what may seem to be a safe viewing area. Falling into the turbulent and sometimes rocky waters can result in injury that reduces the chance of survival.

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